Heart Failure: Your Daily Action Plan

You can feel better and stay out of the hospital by taking five simple steps every day.

The Daily 5 Checklist

  • 1. Weigh Yourself: Do this every morning at the same time (before eating). Write it down.
  • 2. Check for Symptoms: Look for swelling in your ankles or trouble breathing.
  • 3. Take Your Meds: Take them exactly as prescribed to keep your heart stable.
  • 4. Watch the Salt: Sodium causes fluid buildup. Stick to your limit.
  • 5. Move Your Body: Stay active, but rest if you feel strain.

Which "Zone" Are You In?

Compare your daily symptoms to this chart to know what to do next.

GREEN ZONE: All Clear

Status: Your symptoms are under control.

  • Weight: Stable (no sudden changes).
  • Breathing: Easy; you can lie flat to sleep.
  • Activity: You can do your normal routine without issue.

Action: Great job! Keep taking your meds and following your plan.

YELLOW ZONE: Caution

Status: Something has changed. Pay attention.

  • Weight Gain: More than 2–3 lbs in a day OR 5 lbs in a week.
  • Breathing: Shortness of breath, coughing, or needing extra pillows to sleep.
  • Physical: Dizziness, fatigue, or new swelling in legs/ankles.
Action: Call your doctor today.

RED ZONE: Emergency

Status: You need immediate help.

  • Severe breathlessness (struggling to breathe even while sitting).
  • Pink, frothy mucus when coughing.
  • Heart Attack Signs: Chest pain/pressure, sweating, nausea, pain in arm/jaw.
  • Confusion or inability to think clearly.

Action: Call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not drive yourself.

Keys to Success

Why Meds Matter

Heart failure puts your body in a constant state of "stress." Medications like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers turn off these stress alarms, allowing the heart to relax. Never stop them without asking your doctor.

Why Movement Matters

Resting too much can actually make your body weaker. Regular, moderate exercise builds resilience. While you should rest if you are in pain, avoiding activity completely can be harmful.

Why Salt Matters

Salt acts like a sponge for fluid. Excess fluid increases your blood pressure and makes your heart work harder. Use herbs and spices for flavor instead.